There is probably no one in the band or the band staff who is more qualified to speak on the differences between groups in the band than me and I have been very bothered over the last several years about the criticism which has been leveled at the guard by band members. I have heard way too much criticism about what band members think is a lack of talent and ability on the part of our guard members. Remember, boys and girls, when we get a score at a contest it's for the entire band, not just for the winds or the percussion or the drum majors or the guard. I'm here to tell you right now that the ones with hardest job in a marching band are the members of the color guard, followed (rather distantly) by the bass drummers, and then the rest of the drum line. Now before you go off on me, think about it for a second. If I take a dozen flute players and ask them to march and play their show, we certainly hope that they could all do it, but we know the reality is that if a single flute player stops playing for 10 or 15 seconds, no one notices. If 2 or three stop - same result. This is not only true for flutes, but also clarinets, saxophones, etc., especially in a band our size. If, however, I take a dozen guard members and ask them to do their show, everyone notices if one of the girls stops even for just a few counts. Guard is so visually dominated that any pocorn eater can tell you whether the flags are together or whether the rifles dropped or not - its a no brainer. But can the same audience members hear a flute player drop out of the ensemble, or even a trumpet! Yes, the bass drums are almost in the same boat as the guard. Drop out a bass drum or two and things can get ugly quickly! Same with members of the battery. Although percussion is not visually dominated, it is easy to see if someone is not playing.
In short, there's a story in the New Testament (that's in the Bible, genius!) where the Jewish leaders bring a prostitute to Jesus and ask if she should be punished by stoning. Jesus' answer was simply "Let the person who is without sin cast the first stone" Let's keep this in mind when dealing with other sections and members of the band. If you must criticize, offer and help with a solution!
Agree or not agree? Just talk to me...I'm
Daddy V
